This content was formerly published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and it is now being reprinted with permission.
As he updated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on his efforts to” surge” security assistance to Ukraine over the course of his term in office, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a$ 425 million package, the White House said on October 16.
The deal includes extra air-defense capacity, air-to-ground munitions, armoured vehicles, and important munitions to join Ukraine’s immediate needs, according to a White House , statement , that said Biden spoke by phone with Zelenskiy about addition U. S. aid to the country as it battles Russia’s full-scale invasion.
” In the coming months, the United States will provide Ukraine with a range of additional features, including lots of air-defense ships, dozens of tactical air-defense techniques, additional artillery systems, significant amounts of ammunition, lots of armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, and thousands of additional armored vehicles, all of which will help to equip Ukraine’s armed forces”, the statement said.
Zelenskiy and Biden updated each other on their plans to defeat Russia during the phone call, according to the statement.
Before the November 5 election, which could bring President Donald Trump to the White House in January, Biden wants to strengthen U.S. military support for Ukraine. Trump has indicated he would seek to end the war quickly through negotiations, and many Republicans in Congress, including Trump’s running mate, Senator J. D. Vance ( Republican-Ohio ), have opposed sending more military aid to Ukraine.
Trump has been criticized by Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, for saying that he could end the war quickly, claiming that this would only allow Moscow to hold onto the areas of Ukraine it is currently occupying and pursue new gains.
In a statement from the White House, Biden and Zelenskiy pledged to work with Ukraine’s international partners to improve security assistance planning to make sure Kyiv has the necessary equipment.
In order to coordinate their additional assistance, Biden will hold a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in November, according to the statements.
White House representatives Karine Jean-Pierre previously stated earlier on October 16 that Biden’s trip to Germany later this week will be heavily influenced by U.S. support for Ukraine.
While Biden is in Europe, Biden wo n’t be able to meet with Zelenskiy, but Jean-Pierre stated that the United States wants to “be there for the Ukrainians” as they continue to battle Russian forces.
Due to Hurricane Milton, Biden had to reschedule his trip to Germany last week, forcing him to cancel his original itinerary.